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27 December 2015

Merry Christmas! Guess who's back for 9.493 seconds! I miss blogging so much it hurts. I can't even count how many times I've said "I miss blogging" just this semester. But yesss I'm back from uni. And by the grace of God I'm done with my first semester! Halleluuuu. 7 more semesters to go. Jesus take the wheel. And the entire vehicle. I don't remember whether I mentioned what I'm studying at uni but oh well. I'm a Communication Design major and I might end up focusing on graphic design in 2nd year. We get to choose between animation, graphic design and marketing/pr/advertising. ANYWAY. Enough about me. Let's get to the real reason of this blog post.

One late evening/early morning as I was studying for exams with church friends, we were talking and I asked the question, "How do I practically love God?" It's a question that I've thought about a lot and I didn't really understand how to love God. So anyways we got to discussing and it was so interesting! So here are 5 super duper simple ways to fall deeper in love with God.

1. Go on a date with Him.

You guys, how fun would it be to go on a date with your Lord and Saviour? Can you imagine grabbing your favorite drink ( a lemonade, or iced Arnold Palmer, or a Malt for me) and a pastry or salad or ANYTHING YOU WANT with God? Then you'd just open up your Bible or journal and put your headphones in and let Hillsong Worship or Young & Free do their thing? You guys. Then you could let God know about everything that's going on in your life, that lecturer who is really tough, your ministry that is or isn't working, that sin that you're struggling with, that family member who needs Jesus so bad. Man. I need that right now. And He'll DEFINITELY let you know how to deal with everything because He loves you and loves spending time with His princess.

2. Write letters to Him.

You could be on a bus or waiting for a lecture to start and you may or may not have internet connection. You could write a letter to your Heavenly Father and thank Him for opening your eyes and causing your heart to continue beating even as you were asleep. And while you're at it thank Him for the breakfast you got to have (some of us don't have breakfast before those 6am or 8am lectures) Just tell Him stuff. Ask Him questions.

3. Bless Him with your substance.

You could give a special offering to Him just because. He loves that. Wouldn't you love it if someone gave you money and said "Please get yourself an extra large pepperoni pizza because I love you and I know you've been craving pizza." Or is that just me? Oh awkward. But yes. Do it.

4. Have a sleepover with Him.

Stooooooop. Imagine this. Cozy blankets, fluffy socks, hot chocolate or whatever drink you want, PIZZA (always a necessity), your Bible, journal, watercolor paints and Gracious Tempest by Hillsong playing in the background. You guys dont understand how much I need some one on one time with my Saviour. Having a sleepover with Jehovah sounds perfect right now.

5. Go on a walk with Him.

You guys. One time I was walking to do my laundry and I was just talking to God. I was like "God I wish I could hold Your hand, that would be sooo nice". And then I was also like " God, may Your favor and grace locate me today." When I got the laundry I got a shweet discount on my stuff. I was all *praise hands* *crying emoji* *fist-pumping*. Is it weird talking to God out loud? Cuz it sounds like you're talking to yourself and people might give you all the side-eyes. LH whuever.

So those are some ways to fall deeper with God today! I'm so excited to make all of these a habit. And I hope you do to.

You are loved with an everlasting love. God is love. And He wants to have a relationship with you. No one comes to the Father unless through His Son, Jesus Christ. He's calling you today. Will you answer?

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. Colossians 1:13

29 October 2015

Hi guys! Wow it's been way too long since I blogged. I feel like I'm always saying that. SMH but I've actually missed writing and being creative so much! I'm not completely abandoning Voyageuse Africaine, I promise. Life is just different and crazy and obviously I'm in a new season of it which is awkward and a bit uncomfortable. SMH who am I kidding it's very uncomfortable. I'm still adjusting, believe it or not. I didn't really think about how long it would take me to mentally and emotionally adjust to university life. I actually didn't think about it at all. I was too busy trying to figure out how I would decorate my space, and how many room mates I would have. On the actual reals.

I realized that I haven't shared much about my university shenanigans. I'm majoring in Communication Design, and God-willing I shall specialise in Graphic Design which is super fun and interesting and yes. Its so crazy to see that even 7 months ago I didn't know which uni I would be in, much less what I would end up doing. But Jehovah has remained faithful even when I am not and that just blows my little mind.

Spiritually I am just dskjfalkdsfjklafhlks. You guys. Campus Ministry is takes up like 50% if not more of my time. I'm basically either at church, a lecture or my room. Like I have no energy to be in any other place than those three. But it's a blessing because I know church work will be a covering and a shield. My pastor back home, ahem if I can call Kenya my home, said those exact words and it's seriously coming to pass. You literally have no time or energy to be walking around aimlessly or doing things that aren't going to help you in any way. And it's not like I'm missing out on anything either. I have a ton of fun socializing with brothers and sisters in Christ and it can be fun and games, but when its time for real work and prayer, we mean business. I'm excited to see what God has planned and I can't wait to share a testimony of how God has been faithful and how He has worked amazingly in my life.

However, I can't say everything is all fine and dandy. Everything about Campus Ministry and lectures and assignments is hard work. I never really understood what it meant to kill your flesh until I got here. There's days where I go to class without eating. Another example would be sacrificing my "me-time" to serve God. Its hard and uncomfortable, but God doesn't move in comfortable situations. He's obviously breaking me for spiritual maturity.

I have so much to share about the past three months of university life and everything I'm learning and how God is teaching me things. Hopefully, by God's grace I can get back into a bit of blogging.

I hope you dear reader have been doing well! I need you to know that Jesus Christ, the Son of God loves you so much! That is what John 3:16 clearly says. He died on the Cross so that you and I could have eternal life and get to be with Him in Heaven one day. Declare Him as your Lord and Savior and turn away from earthly desires today. James 4:8 says "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded".

You, dear, are loved with an everlasting love. Embrace Jesus' love for you today. He's waiting.

31 August 2015

You guys. Like honestly who do I think I am? Like who gave me permission to not blog for about 3 months and then come back like nothing happened? I clearly need to go into time-out because this isn't done. It just isn't.

BUT I've actually missed blogging so much but you know life gets in the way and there's other things like freaking out over uni and life and wow God where are You leading me and also like okay God I trust You. So it has been 3 months since anything happened here, but so much has been going on in mine like wow. I started making jewelry which you can check out over here and making sales (can I get a cha-chiiiing) and its just been fun and games up in here. I'm back in my Ghana and it's scary and exciting at the same time because ya girl has never lived here. I'm also eating all the food because yes. And university starts in a week and I'm basically here like "MOM, take me back to Kenya in your suitcase" and she's like "cute but not cute enough. no" So yea. You guys growing up is so weird and unnecessary. Most of the time I still think I'm 16 but actually not because I am 18? WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? I can't quite remember.

On the other hand, I'm so excited to see where God is going to lead me and uuuuuuuuuugh how faithful has He been? Like super faithful and awesome and amazing as usual! At this point I'm just ranting but oh well. This is just a super quick post to let you know I'm alive and kicking by the grace of God. WOOOHOO bring on the university shenanigans. YALL I'm just praying for some A+ room mates who love Jesus so we can all be chilling out maxin out relaxing all cool you know.

So yes, hopefully you shall hear from me soon! I'm a bit more active on Instagram so follow me on there to catch up with all my shenanigans!

20 June 2015

Hey hey hey! God is good! So you guys may or may not know but I absolutely love to listen to / dance to praise and worship songs in different languages! I myself speak a few so anytime I find a worship or praise song in a language I know I listen to it like 949992929292 times. I love the idea that we all speak different languages but we can still worship + praise the same God, saying almost the same things! How mind-blowing is that? Or is it just me? So here is a compilation of some of my all time favorite praise songs! I absolutely cannot sit still listening to this songs! Always got to do a quick whip + nae-nae when these songs play! Okay I'm going to stop talking and get right into it!

La Buena Vida - Ken Reynolds + Lucia Parker (English + Spanish)Click here to listen.
I heard this song for the first time a couple of weeks ago and the second the beat + music started I had to get up and do a quick cha-cha. Super quickly.

Hi Hanya Mahala - Mercy Ndlovu ( Tsonga from South Africa)Click here to listen
Hands down one of my favorite South African praise songs. I really just have to do a hip sashay when this song plays! If you'd like to know what it translates into in English, click here. The lyrics are basically "We win for free in Christ".

Ishokwadi - Mkhululi Bhebhe (Shona from Zimbabwe + English)Click here to listen.
I heard this song for the fist time before my floral design class on the radio, and I was so sad because I couldn't remember the lyrics. Then on Sunday, the praise and worship team sang it and I WAS LIKE LORD YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I NEED! I had goosebumps you guys. It was amazing.

Calvary - Zaza (Sesotho from Southern Africa + English)Click here to listen.
Heard this jamalam at church and I just had to bring out all my dance moves! All of them.

Yahweh - Mali MusicClick here to listen.
This one is a little slower, but I love it so much! It has such simple, yet God-glorifying lyrics.

Victory - Hillsong CollegeClick here to listen
I always have to fist pump and jump up and down when I hear this song! It's impossible not to. I heard this one at Kids Church Camp and I was likeeeeeee #done #thankYouJesus. Just listen to it.

Il est capable - ICC Mass Choir ( French version of Deitrick Haddon's "He's Able")Click here to listen.
I actually heard this song first in French and then in English and decided that I liked the French version better.

Tambira Jehovah - Mkhululi Bhebhe (Shona from Zimbabwe + English)Click here to listen.
UGH. I'm listening to this song as I type and I'm really trying not to hit that nae-nae right now. The lyrics translate into "Come and dance to the Lord". Don't mind if I dooo *hits whip*

I also recently stumbled upon Hillsong Young and Free's album and I've been JAMMING and praising God like no other! To be honest, the only way you could get me to do exercise would be if Y&F's album was playing. No joke. So those are my all-time favorites! What are some of your favorite international worship or praise songs? I'd love to check them out!

On a more serious note, I want you to know, yes you reading this right now, that the Creator of the heavens and the earth, God, Yahweh, loves you with an everlasting love. In fact, He loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for your sins so that you could have a relationship with Him.

He's calling your name today, He wants to restore, heal, complete and bless you. It's a choice that you can make today. It doesn't matter what you've done in the past, He can and will forgive you! So come as you are! Talk to Him today. I promise it's not as hard as you think it is. If you want to talk or need some prayer, you can send me a quick message through the Contact Tab at the top of the blog. You are loved. More than you can ever imagine.

The world and it's desires pass way, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17

13 June 2015

Hello! *taps microphone* Is this thing even on? Heh, hiii! Yes I know I haven't blogged in what seems to be about a century or so, and I really don't have an excuse except for the fact that 1) I wasn't sure what I wanted to talk about and 2) I just haven't been feeling it. You know? So anyways here I am. I think Voyageuse Africaine is taking a different turn. I don't want to write just about myself but rather what God is doing to and around me. I've battled with this for quite a while, between what I wanted for my blog and what God wanted for my blog.

But if I am a [part of a] chosen generation, a holy nation, people belonging to God, then I must declare forth the praises of Him who has called me out of the darkness into His marvelous light! (1 Peter 2:9) Basically what's going to be happening around here is fist pumping for Jesus, clapping all around and just *hands raised* emoji because of Jesus.

So I guess maybe I'll start from where we sort of left off. I traveled to Ghana sometime in April and it was AWESOME! I love being home. On my way back, I transited through Lagos and Kigali. Well Lagos was just a pick up not actual transit. That was 3 take offs and 3 landings just to get home to my momma. I don't quite remember on which part of the journey that there was horrible turbulence as we were taking off but I was 939108261% done with the pilot! I started freaking out, breaking out into cold sweat and praying it up in the cabin because I just wasn't having any of it.

Then a still small voice said "Don't you trust Me? Relax!" Or something like that. I was likeee Lord You got it! You are my shield and my fortress. So from that point on I was just chilling. But it was SO profound for me because REALLY upon all the prayer I had prayed concerning my trip I was still freaking out, as if Yahweh doesn't hear the prayers of His children or doesn't answer them. As if I could save myself by freaking out 984873792917176378382 above the ground. So that was the first time I think I had heard that still small voice. It came out of nowhere and completely calmed me.

I got to Kigali in one piece praise God, and jumped back onto another plane to take me home. I was seated next to a gentleman who could easily be the age of my father. I read the in flight magazine, closed my eyes and relaxed for take off and then read a bit of Chronicles I think. Then I had a strong conviction to tell this man that Jesus loved him. Once again I started freaking out because I didn't know what I was going to say, or how I was going to say it! Yall I put it off till the cabin crew served us dinner and drinks. I knew I couldn't allow myself to get off this plane without telling this man that Jesus loved him. I finished drinking my apple juice, and at this point I'm pretty much the most nervous person ever. Then I decided to tell him and this is how the conversation went:

"Excuse me sir, are you getting down in Nairobi or are you continuing to Entebbe?"

"I'm getting down in Nairobi, and you?"

"Oh me too! *pause* I just wanted to let you know that Jesus loves you!"

He chuckles

"And how do you know that?"

"I just do!"

I can't remember what he said right after that but it was all good in the hood because he was a Christian! He even asked me whether my parents and I were saved.

I was like LORD YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!!!!! LIKE WOW WOW WOW LORD SO IN AWE OF YOU RIGHT NOW! *insert mental fist pumps* *tears rolling down cheeks* *clapping more than necessary*

We had an awesome conversation like really awesome and when we got to Nairobi he made sure I had a seat in the bus that took us to the arrivals hall and the correct form to fill out and everything! Such a blessing. I didn't get to say bye to him as I exited the airport. Lesson learnt? Sometimes it's really hard to obey God because we're frightened but I read in this book that said OBEDIENCE IS WORSHIP. AND awesome things occur when we obey God! Much wow. Such in awe!

There's approximately nothing I can boast of myself because I was so nervous but God gave me the strength to tell this really nice man about Jesus. And even better he was already saved. I can only boast of God and His goodness and faithfulness. I hope you've been great! Sorry not sorry for the hiatus. Prayers would be really appreciated as university is approaching and I'm just kind of sitting here like *side eye* *cringe*Has God ever asked you to do something that felt really uncomfortable? I'd love to hear all about it! I have a lot to share with you guys :)It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm then, and do not allow yourself to be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

28 April 2015

Hello! My gap year is slowly and surely drawing to a close and I'm now in University mode. Well more like attempting to apply to university mode. Yall I didn't know this stuff was so complicated. Being a Ghanaian with foreign background trying to apply to universities back home is actually a struggle and three-fourths. So yea.

I'm really happy with how my gap year has gone and how God has been faithful and has used me! He has changed me and removed some undesirable things in my heart so it's all fist-pumping and praising with a huge dash of worship up in here.

I think it would be weird if I hadn't learnt anything from this experience. I would honestly recommend seniors in high school to take a gap year (aka convince your parents). There's absolutely not rush to go to university even though many counselors make it seem that way.

In any case, here are 10 Lessons My Gap Year Has Taught Me.

Not everyone is going to encourage/appreciate you and your hustle

Its sad but it's true. Not everyone is going to be high-fiving and/or booty-bumping you as you attempt to figure out what your life is about. And dare I say that some people may try to discourage you. You just have to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and go about what you need to do.

Some people/circumstances are only for a season

Another lesson that is a little heartbreaking. Remember how I used to volunteer at a baby's home? Yea I haven't been there in at least 3 months. And its 2 seconds away from my house. My baby John got adopted and that was it for me. Yea. Also all the friends that I made there... Haven't quite spoken to them in at least 3 months as well. This is probably just my weakness, but I'm terrible at keeping in touch. But God used that season of my life to teach me something else which is

Patience is a virtue

YALL. Dealing with children is a struggle! All the moms and dads out there who work 9/5 and then have to come home and make dinner, help with homework, clean up here and there, make sure the kids have showered and put the kids to sleep are the real MVPS. They deserve all the awards. All the of them.

Spending time in the Word of God and in prayer are so important!

I realized that the times/days when I wasn't starting my day with some good old devotion and prayer, my thoughts and actions were just bleh you know. It's also so much easier to backslide when you're not in word of God. It transforms you basically.

Pursue new interests.

This gap year, I learnt how to sew and I'm taking a floral design class. I had never thought of these two skills whilst in high school. Like they never crossed my mind. Ever. Ever.

Work is hard. Hard is work. Hard work is hard.

Um yea. I don't think I've ever worked as hard as I have this gap year. Just two weeks ago, sewing pretty much consumed my life as I was preparing a display table for Voyageuse Africaine at my old school. I worked till midnight/ 1-ish for a whole week, with no naps (IMAGINE THAT). My back hurt. And that was when I realized that I had never worked that hard in my life before. Like Senior Seminar compared to that was nothing. You guys. I dreamed about sewing. Like I would have dreams of sewing needles going through fabric. That was what my life was about.

There are people around me who are hurting and in need of Jesus so bad.

On a daily basis, I'm sure I come into contact with people who don't know of the saving grace of Jesus and how He died for our sins on the Cross. Like that's crazy you know. But at the same time that's the state in which our world is. I'm convinced that God is changing me inside and out to be used for the furtherance of His kingdom.

Seeking God's will basically becomes number one priority

Like. Lets be real. God says He says plans for me to prosper, and plans to give me a hope and a future in Jeremiah 29:11 and what's better than that? Absolutely nothing. So I'm going to be here trusting the Lord with all my heart and not leaning on my own understanding ( Proverbs 3:5)

You have to discipline yourself if you're going to get things done

This is an obvious one, sorta, but still! Discipline is important and still haven't gotten that down yet. Like let's take today. I woke up at noon. yea not so much discipline to be found here today. Come back tomorrow. Maybe.

Being shy isn't going to get you anywhere

These last couple of weeks, I'd love to say that I've slowly peeled off my shy self and I'm doing life for real. You want to talk to that boy? Do it! (but not really bc ugh) You want to go to this church service? Teleport yourself there! You need to go to the next town by yourself to buy jewelry supplies using public transport that you dont know too well? Yea just pray for God's guidance to get you there in one piece. But get on that bus girl! Seriously.

So that's it! 10 Lessons My Gap Year Has Taught Me! Have you ever taken a gap year? What are some lessons it taught you?

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of all kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

21 April 2015

Hey hey hey! It's been about 9499202839 years since I blogged. Awkward. Shmawkward. So anyways, not sure if yall know this but I'm from Ghana *fist pumps* *dances azonto* heh, and I'm actually home for a few weeks just to say hey gurl hey to my family and to do some university application shenanigans but lets call it a business trip because yes. YALL.

First of all, Accra (the capital) is HOT. We're on the coast so humidity + salty air is always on 100 so basically leave your lotion at home. I remember when I landed, I was wearing a sweatshirt cuz the plane was a little chilly so I was all loike, let me snuggle up in my sweatshirt real quick. Literally the second I stepped out of the aircraft I was like "im dying, heat stroke, crying, get this sweatshirt off me, what life is this" etc.

So here's how to survive in Accra:

Even though it's hot, DON'T STAY INDOORS under the AC or fan.

It's so easy to basically not do anything because of the heat, but really whats the point of even being here you know? Abeg put your hat on and walk around.

Invest in a cotton handkerchief and/or hand-held fan.

I'm actually not kidding. The amount of sweating that occurs whilst living in this country oh my gosh. There's basically no need to work out. Living in Ghana is a work out in itself.

Do it. Taxis are expensive when you add it up at the end of the day. The bus is affordable, however not always comfortable, but are we hustlers or are we hustlers?

Explore your surroundings

Ugh so many photo opportunities for me to even begin to deal. Yes.

Seriously don't stay indoors.

You'll regret it.

Take your camera everywhere you can if possible

Photo opportunities! I always feel shy taking out my camera when I'm here cuz Ghanaians are so shameless with their side-eyes LHH.

Don't be afraid to ask for directions and stuff like that. Ghanaians are super friendly

Everybody is just happy to help so DO IT. Flash a smile in their direction..blow them all away.. *side-eye*

Greeting someone before asking a question or anything like that is kind of common courtesy

A simple "Good morning...*insert question here*" is good enough!

It's HOT, I don't think I can stress that enough. But that doesn't mean you should pack ALL the booty shorts and crop tops etc.

People will stare. People will judge you. Sorry. Opt for looser fitting clothes i.e sun-dresses, harem pants you know clothes that breath up in here.

Drink lots of water boothang. You're going to be sweating it up all day errday and you kind of dont want to faint from not having water in ya system

Just drink all the water. Do it. I really can't stress this enough. Water is life.

Try some local food. ITS SO GOOD UGH.

Highlight of all my Ghana trips is the food. As we speak, or as I type, I have a quota of foods I have to digest before I leave! Please give me all the plantain chips thanks.So that's pretty much how to live in Ghana. It's a crazy beautiful place so come visit anytime. But really dont leave your handkerchief. Just don't. You'll regret it.Look out for more Ghana posts from me in the upcoming weeks! Hope you've been well yo.And what doth the Lord require of thee? To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God. Micah 6:8

21 March 2015

Hiiiiiii! Long time no seee. How are you doing? Yall. I'm the busiest bee as of right now, I need the Lord to give me some strength up in here cuz lets be real, I have approximately none of my own. Who knew attempting to run a small business would be so hard? Who knew you could almost have an emotional breakdown bc of stress and general exhaustion on the side of the road because your bus didn't stop at your stop? w0w. ANYWAYS. It's all good. God is good and He has sustained me so its all thumbs up around here!

I had my 7th (WHERE HAS TIME GONE) floral design lesson this week. Remember when I first mentioned it? I think it was on instagram. But woah time has flown. I've learnt so much so here are 8 Ways In Which A Floral Design Course Changed My Life!

I now wake up early! Long gone are the days of sleeping in till 10. When class starts at 8ish (we're on African time), best believe your girl is up at 7-7:30 to get ready for this fist-pump worthy of a class.

Naming flowers is basically my 9-5 job! Plz get at me. Just kidding. Please dont. But on the realz, I can name quite a few flowers so that's pretty shweet.

Our house ALWAYS has flowers. It is a problem? Yes. Do we care? Nah boo! As I write this, there are two completely different arrangements just chillin' and illin'.

I'm always dreamily looking out the car window at flower vendors and the flowers they're selling. Like mhhhm. Those purple roses / sunflowers / lillies / gladiolas are calling my name (LOL TOLD YOU I COULD NAME THEM #noflexzone)

I never want to leave florist shops. For an assignment, I had to get some flowers and some floral foam to make an buffet arrangement (holla at your girl) and that florist shop. YO. I was in my happy place. I did not want to leave. It was so beautiful.

I'm forever taking photographs of flowers. Like oh, working on a flatlay? Let me just throw in a quick lily in there.. no big deal.

I've learnt so much about flower arrangement maintenance that I can't STAND murky vase water. LIKE WHY IS THE WATER LOOKING GREEN?? Better dump that out real quick and refill it like yesterday. Thanks. And while you're at it could you like, get rid of those almost dead leaves. Yea thanks.

I feel like my eyes are more open to God's awesomeness and creativity. LIKE. He designed these flowers. Every single one of them. How amazing is that? I appreciate that.

Here are some more photographs for your viewing pleasure!

PS - Have you checked out the shop and followed it on instagram? If yes,*sticks gold star on your forehead lovingly* if nah then you better get to it! And while you're at it, order something for yourself!

13 March 2015

Yall! I got some exciting news. Voyageuse Africaine : The Boutique is FINALLY open, by the grace of God! Like honestly, long time coming but we finally here. Remember when I first discovered that I actually really liked sewing and making stuff?

Click this post to refresh your memory {#throwback to blog posts that were a mess}. And now all my dreamzz are coming true. (hey now, hey nooooooow, this iz what dreamzz are made of, hey hey! *Lizzie McGuire booty-shake thing*)

Laptop Sleeve in the Naa Lamile Print :3

iPad sleeve in the Lamisi Print

A Bible sleeve in the Lamisi Print!

BUT YO God is so so so faithful! I remember when I made a promise that if He provided me with a sewing machine (which I've never owned, much less know how to operate) I would give the first fruits of this little business to His Kingdom.

NOW LOOK AT US. I'll be making my first Kenya deliveries next week so that's really exciting #dollardollarbillsyall, but not really. but kinda.

simple multi-purpose clutch in the Naa Lamile Print

I have international shipping set up already, but now I'm just tryna set up PayPal and those international payment shenanigans. BUT YESSSS. God has been so good! Super excited to HOPEFULLY start shipping internationally.

a simple multi-purpose clutch in the Yaa Print

So basically what I'll be doing is making technology (so iPad and laptop) sleeves (OH AND BIBLE SLEEVES) as well as little purses out of Ghanaian wax fabric #reppinGhanarealquick. All the fabrics have Ghanaian names because why not? I think it adds an extra dash of spice and personality to the fabrics y'know what I'm sayin'?

You can click here to check out the store, Voyageuse Africaine, and browse through some of the things I've made so far. Oh, about the last photo, I went to the bead market in Ghana over the summer, and these are some of the shweet beads we picked up. I actually made these for my mom's birthday (which is today, happy burfday mama jammaaa!) and I thought MHM maybe I could add these to the shop as well *kanye shrug*

YAAAY. So that's kind of that. Still a bit of radio silence because of laptop issues but yea. Shweet shweet shweet. YALL. Pray for me! I want to glorify God with this business so bad.

7 March 2015

Yall. Can I just say that a post on this little project of mine is so overdue its not even funny. So literally one night at like 2am, I wasn't asleep (DONT EVEN ASK ME WHY I'M NOT QUITE SURE MYSELF) and all of a sudden, this idea of a blogger network specifically tailored for Africa-based / African bloggers came to my mind. It had actually come up a while ago, but I had sort of pushed it to the back of my mind.

Anyway so that night, I turned my lights back on and started planning the Kente and Khanga Network! I KNEW I wanted God to be a huge part of it, like the Peony Project *fist pumpsss* because hey, we all need encouragement and words of exhortation as we go through the week, you know?

So the main focus of this little blogger network is to bring together Africa-based / African bloggers together so we can have dance parties, encourage one another, share each other's blog posts, find other African bloggers and high five them and just grow in our relationship with Christ!

That's pretty much what is it's about. We have 12 beaaaautiful people already hanging out at the Kente and Khanga Network, and even though it's a baby, I'm convinced this thing can grow. So if you know any Africa-based / African bloggers and/or creatives who would love to interact with other bloggers and grow in Christ send them my way!

If you'd like to join us, click here and fill out this super quick form and I'll get to you ASAP.

4 March 2015

Hi hi! Sorry for being a tad bit MIA but yea laptop problems up in here. ANYWAY. So if you've been following this little blog of mine for a bit, you'd know that I *used* to volunteer at this babies home, and I basically fell in love with baby John! If you need to refresh ya memory, click here. So John turned 1 in February, but by then he had already been adopted so *cue tears up in here* So here's a little letter I wrote to / for my sweet baby boy even though he may never see this... *CUE MORE TEARS*

Hi sweetie! Hi handsome! Hi John-John! I MISS YOU. I thank God for your precious life and I thank God for giving you a second chance at life baby boy! Even though I'm so ecstatic about your adoption and your new family, a tiny part of me is sad because I won't get to see your beautiful smile, hug you, deal with your shenanigans or watch you grow sweetie. But know that I'm praying for you and your family.

LOL I'm tearing up as I write this. But yes, I pray that you come to know Jesus Christ at a young age and I pray you serve God for ALL your days on this Earth. John-John, know that you are LOVED. By God, your Heavenly Father, by me, and my everyone at New Life. Sweetums, I can't believe you're ONE. A whole year? WHAT EVEN?

I remember the first day I met you, you were taking an afternoon nap and you smelt all baby-like and my heart basically melted. SMH at the fact that you didn't even stir, much less wake up when I picked your up. UGH. And now you're probably walking and being a joy and learning how to say "mama" and OH MY GOSH WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING BABY. Like who gave you permission to grow up?! I thank God for the season that He put you in my life for. I LOVE YOU. SO MUCH. it hurts smh. John-John + Norkz 4eva. Basically and pretty much.

I still regret not going to see you every day even though I was told that you'd be leaving soon. UGH I WISH I COULD HUG YOU ONE MORE TIME. And ruffle your hair thats in the same haircut as mine. Love you forever and always!

Norkor.

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 (COINCIDENCE I THINK NOT) oh my gosh i cant deal rn.

Have you ever volunteered at a children's home and fallen in love with one of them? YALL. I wanna hear about it. It's crazy and heartbreaking at the same time.

24 February 2015

Hi there! So the fact that I haven't been able to blog in almost two weeks is a huge bummer! Yall my laptop has decided that enough is truly enough and basically gave up on me. Like?? Excuse me Mr. Laptop do you not think I have blogging and other important things to get up to? Much rude. such wow. I want to cry about this.

ANYWAY. I wanted to share something important ( in my opinion). So today I was sitting on the bus (recently learnt how to take public transport) and I was thinking, "How would these people know that I'm a follower of Christ, that I'm saved? Like am I REALLY living out my faith boldly? Because I can tweet about it and blog about it and read my Bible and meditate, but IT NEEDS TO CHANGE ME. NORKOR. The Word of God needs to pierce through my being (and it can and does shout out to Hebrews 4:21) and change me from the inside out you know what I mean?

Because I'm 14892839% sure that people just going about their day wouldn't know this this life-changing fact about me, by just looking at me. Like "Oh yazz that afro is werqin, she MUST be saved!" Like no.

So today I did something I really regret doing. I was walking back home and I basically crossed to the opposite side of the road when I saw this lady and her two daughters begging - basically harassing passersby for money. The moment I crossed the road YALL I felt horrible. Like literally in the middle of crossing the road I was like O_O what am I doing?!/1/111 #HolySpiritConviction up in here. The 1st thought that came to my mind was "would Jesus do that?" and the answer was a straight up "Nahhhh!"

I need GRACE. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. From the moment I open my eyes in the morning (because God sustained me through the night Psalms 3:5) to the moment I close my eyes and whisper a prayer to heaven. I need it. I want my heart to be overflowing with grace upon grace. And Jesus IS grace! whaaat? #GLORRAAAAY. LIKE LITERALLY CAN WE JUST?

So yes, getting harrassed by beggar children on the streets can get annoying. But Grace yall. Grace, Grace.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:5

15 February 2015

Hello! I hope your weekend so far has been great! How'd you spend your Valentine's day? Did your significant other do anything special for you? I want to know about it!My Valentines day was pretty busy! But it was good. Really good. Better than most of my past Valentines day actually. God is good. All the time!

So my best friend, Tee, and I decided that we'd do a prayer challenge. Actually it was my idea that I forced her to join in but that's not important! Kidding. Over this week I've realized how POWERFUL prayer is! I was listening to this podcast by Hillsong Church Sydney and I dont even know how to explain. It was great. Super blessed by that podcast. ANYWAY. So we'll be doing a prayer challenge. Basically intentionally praying for the people around us and committing them to God y'know what I'm saying?

If you'd like to join us, please feel free! So here's what we'll be praying for over the next couple of days! Don't even ask why it's a random number of days smh.

I hope your Sunday has been blessed! Just a super casual reminder that you are deeply loved.

12 February 2015

Hey gurl heeey! It's Thursday? Lol whut? But I'm just here fist pumping and clapping because of how God has brought you and I through this week! #PraiseHim #YASSS. I actually need to stop with the hashtags its getting out of control. So I decided heyyy it's Thursday and I have 9439040920349403 things to thankful for. Then I said "hey, lets throw some alliteration in there to do my AP English Language score some justice" so here's Thankful Thursdays!

I'm thankful for:

The blessing of the new day, the breath in my lungs and the hope I have in Christ Jesus *more fist pumping and hollering over here*

God's providence in my life

My floral design class that is making me just fist pump more than I usually do.

Aunties who teach you everything you need to know about sewing

Aunties / friends who encourage you to follow your dreams and let you know that they're valid

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Titus 2:11-12

10 February 2015

The Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, the One who tells the ocean waves that they can only come this far and no more, the living God who lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, LOVES YOU AND I with an everlasting love. EVERLASTING. Like it lasts FOREVER. (Jeremiah 31:3) And He wants, in fact, yearns to have a deep, amazing, fulfilling relationship with you and I. How craaaazy is that?

Despite our sin, shortcomings, attitude problems, past nonsense, family history - EVERYTHING - He wants to call us His children. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to DIE for us, so that all the horrible things you and I have done can be forgiven. Like YO. Can you even imagine that? My mind is currently being blown. I'm constantly in AWE of God's mercy and grace towards me and my nonsense, sins, shortcomings etc. And I did nothing to deserve His Grace, but He freely gave it to me!

And all He requires of us is to turn away from our sins and fix our eyes on Him. He wants to bless us, and fill us with joy, hope, peace and love! What sort of news is this yo. LIKE MHM. This is some G-O-O-D NEWS! We have HOPE because of Jesus' death on the Cross. With the way things were rolling, you and I were destined for death because of the sin in our hearts, for the wages of sin is death, but - and things are about to go from 0-100, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:23). ETERNAL LIFE. CAN WE JUST PONDER ON THAT. FIST PUMPS, HIGH FIVES AND YAZZZZ FOR JESUS ALL AROUND.
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So this post came to me at like 2am one day. This is literally what goes on in my head unfortunately. But yes. I hope your weekend was fantastic. Mine didn't go as planned because my boys the Black Stars of Ghana (football team) went all the way to the finals at AFCON (African Cup of Nations) and lost 9-8 during penalties. I'm still an emotional wreck. That game was actually too intense for my young heart tbh.
*sigh*

7 February 2015

Hello there! So today I have Michel'Lee from Being Perfectly Flawed guest posting for me! She's also taking a gap year #gapyearbuddies!

Hey Voyageur Africaine readers, my name is Michel’Lee Williams, I’m 20 years old and I’m from the Turks & Caicos Islands; located in the Caribbean. Living in the Turks & Caicos Islands, I sometimes take for granted the amazing natural beauty that is literally walking distance from my house. Island life is really simple, yet amazing. Yes, the weather is “almost” always perfect, besides hurricane season and sometimes during the winter. No we don’t live huts and under palm trees (LOL ); and no I’m not always in a bathing suit, but I do have a friend who is. Oh, and Norkor, you can definitely visit me. Any day! I enjoy reading, TV shows, music, occasional quality beach time and of course sleeping (seriously).

I am a new blogger, owner of beingperfectlyflawed.blogspot.com. I started blogging last year (2014), mainly because I was taking a gap year after achieving my Associate Degree in college and I got carried away when making my gap year bucket list. I thought “Hey, I love writing and I need to start expressing myself. Blogging it is!” It was a no-brainer. Taking a gap year initially was not a choice neither was it a part of my plans for my life (apparently it was a part of God’s). I took a gap year due to lack of financial funds. This was definitely a tough time for me. I didn’t know what my next step would have been; I didn’t know how to even think about my next step.

The biggest challenge for me during my gap year at first was accepting that I was taking a gap year. Taking a gap year is usually something that an individual wants and makes plans for ahead of time; that was so not the case for me. I mean yea, eventually I wanted some time off from school, but I just didn’t want it while I had big plans for University ( come on, this was University....in a foreign place….with new experiences). After a few pep talks with myself, I accepted my gap year with open arms.

I was not going to allow an entire year go by with me being sad over something I had no control over and I definitely was not going to give the devil any head space. I picked myself up with encouraging words from loved ones and with my faith in God. My next challenge was getting everything on my gap year bucket list done and done! The biggest challenge on that list was getting a job (which was #1 btw). It wasn’t until this month, 5 months into my gap year, I blessedly got a job.

So far I am beyond grateful I took a gap year. I’m learning so much about myself. For years I thought I knew what I wanted and who I was wanted to be, boy was I wrong! During my gap year I had a bit too much free time (haha), and that was exactly what I needed. Some ‘me time’. For years it has been all about school, study, exams, assignments…God knew that I just needed to stop and breathe; and my gap year gave me just that. A breather was exactly what I needed to find myself, to grow, to draw closer to God and to learn about who I am. My nightmare turned into my best dream; taking a gap year was definitely a blessing in disguise for me. I would not have changed anything about it. I wouldn’t do anything differently; I wouldn’t even go back to hoping the funds were available at the time.

That’s how much of an positive effect my gap year is currently having on me. Nevertheless, if I had to go back to change something about my gap year, it would certainly be how I emotionally accepted it. Had I known taking a gap year would have been such a great personal experience, I would not have cried or get angry at God for not doing it my way. Besides personal growth, the best thing about my gap year so far is the amazing rush I get from being able to check something off from my gap year bucket list. LOL, as silly as that sounds, it is true.

I would advise any high school graduate or college graduate, like myself, who is deciding to take a gap year to go for it! There’s so much that can be learned within a year without the stress of books and exams. Make the best of your year off. Try new things. Take the time out and not just find yourself, but create yourself.

6 February 2015

Hi! I'm back with another blogger award! Am I popular yet? No? K. But Ms. Holly over at HollyLooYa Blog is basically my favorite person ever. Her blog is both HILARIOUS and DEEPLY MOTIVATIONAL. Her heart is just wow and tbh she's so wise like oh okay then. Sorta kinda wish I can be like her one day. BUT YES. LETS GET ON WITH THIS BLOGGER AWARD.

1. What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?I honestly don't think I could choose! There's so many A+ Bible verses that I love, but Colossians 3:12 just makes me fistpump! It says "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. It's a daily reminder of what I should be clothing myself with and how I should be treating others.2. What is the most interesting food you have ever eaten?Most interesting? Uhm. Frog legs or squid. Ughhh I didn't like both of them.3. If you could re-live any moment in your life/or live in a different time period, what would it be?I honestly don't know. OH MY GOSH I KNOW. I would want to relive/do over that one time I was talking to *ahem* a crush of mine and I was really rude to him. I feel like things could have gone differently. Smh middle school Norkor was such a mess like wow.4. Did you make any resolutions for the New Year? If so, what were they?What are resolutions? No resolutions here, keep moving.5. What would you say is your "Spirit Animal?"er. *side eye* I'm not even a fan of animals so.. no spirit animals over here..6. If you could have lunch with Amy Poehler (because obviously, we all want to be her best friend), what is one question you would ask her?
ER. Haven't read Amy Poehler's book. Soooooooo this is a tad bit awkward.7. If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called? Who would play you?

. It would be called "How To Get Your Life Out Of Shambles" but I feel like it would be more of a series you know? And dur, Lupita Nyon'go would play me. Get with the program pls.

8. Where do you see your self in 5 years? Fantastic question! Not sure, but not worrying about it toooo much. God is in control, and I just want to do things that glorify Him.9. What is you biggest pet peeve?YO. When people leave pens uncovered, like are you not planning on using it ever again? 10. What is one piece of advice you would give to your 18 year old self?
LEWL. I'm not 18 yet....but I would say "I hope you're studying hard and staying in prayer and the Bible and not being such a homebody / shy person."

So that was kinda fun. If you want to do this tag thingie / post, GO RIGHT AHEAD. I have no one else to nominate. #nonewfriends

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9